The New York Mets’ outfield in 2025 may look quite different from the one in 2024. Harrison Bader is no longer part of the team, and they’ve brought in Jose Siri to play center field and Juan Soto as their right fielder. With Brandon Nimmo in left field, there may not be room for veteran Starling Marte.

The Mets need to dump Starling Marte and his contract

Currently, Marte would likely serve as the Mets’ designated hitter if the season began today. However, the team might prefer to keep that spot open, in case they re-sign Pete Alonso, if Luisangel Acuña continues to develop, or if Brett Baty takes the next step in his progression.

Throughout the winter, reports have suggested that the Mets are exploring the possibility of trading Marte and might even be open to covering part of his salary in exchange for a substantial return.

Marte earns $19.5 million annually, but in 2025, the final year of his contract with the Mets, he will make $20.75 million. While his salary is high and he’s been injury-prone (missing 144 games over the last two seasons), the 36-year-old outfielder still has talent in both his bat and his legs.

Marte’s price and injury history complicate things

If Marte is fully healthy, he has the potential to produce a 15-30 season with a wRC+ between 100 and 110. In 2024, he posted a 104 wRC+ in 94 games and 370 plate appearances. To acquire a solid reliever or a B-level prospect for Marte, the Mets may need to cover most of his salary. This approach has worked for them before with Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, bringing in players like Acuña, Drew Gilbert, and Ryan Clifford.

The big question is whether any team will take on Marte, given his injury concerns, and whether the Mets can secure a valuable return. We’ll find out soon.